Tracks: 37
Length: 143 minutes
The electronic Arts (EA) has been successful in the use of music within the game. Over the years they have been able to match the gamers’ expectations with the kind and quality of music they use in their games. Just like the previous versions, FIFA 14 is piled with tracks; this time 37 of them over a total 143 minutes. The tracks used are from various artists and bands, some renowned, others not. The collection features several types of tracks where some songs are accompanied by instruments and others not, some are a bit slower and others faster. This combination has been a plus when it comes to reception of the soundtrack and ultimately the game.
The first tack on the list is “Hit it” by American authors. It seems to welcome on into the game mood as they prepare to take on the field and hit the ball around. Music invokes emotions and with the beats and sounds in the background, it prepares one for the challenge they are about to take. Unlike other video games, football is a lively game and the track “Hit it” just juices it more. The best lines for me are “I shoulda, I woulda, I coulda but I didn’t Hit it.” The beats of the song are also fast, just enough to the rhythm of the game. “I know it’s you” by Guards is also another one that always has me wanting to listen to it more and more. The effects rhyme with the crowd sounds within the game, promoting a feeling of continuity when we go to the pause menu. Most of the songs are noisy and have faster beats that really match with the tempo of the game. They are able to bring you into the mood of kicking around the ball, just like you are about to do on the field. “Dreaming” by Smallpools is high pitched with a great incorporation of instruments. The chorus just sets the scene for one who is about to play. A scene of rivalry and friendship; mixed feelings. It evokes emotions, say when you win a trophy or just defeat a rival next to you. They make bring about the enthusiasm, the excitement and the rivalry just before the game or during pause menus. Other tracks such as “Love Natural,” “Compliment you soul,” “I am good,” “Hot,” “Am Ende” and “Boa Noite” provide the lively mood of the game as well.
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I found some of the songs not appealing, or rather not matching the mood of the game. With an approaching game, there needs to be a track that prepares you for the same. A track that rings in your mind every time you get onto that ball. Slower tracks for me do not set this mood. In a real football scene, the atmosphere is usually terrific with both sets of fans trying to be louder than and outdo the other. Such an environment is not created where slower tracks are used. They rather make you comfortable, relaxed; not wanting to put up a fight. They don’t evoke “the spirit of the game.” For example “T.U.B.E” by Dopeness is very slow. “Copy of A” by Nine Inch Nails takes too long to start and the wait may just be too much creating anxiety. I prefer them in times when not in an active game for example during the transfer window or when reading mails in career mode.
It can be understood that EA has a huge following with people of different cultures, ages, preferences and choices. To satisfy each of them, EA tries to incorporate as many types of tracks as possible. The games are played by people of different ages and this may also be manifested by the kinds of music each group prefers. Music is used to add flavour to the game. Just as in real world situations, incorporating soundtracks in video games goes a long way into determining the feeling and the mood of the occasion. Tracks have been used precedent to games or in pause menus to help create an electric mood or relax the mind in some cases.
